UFC - UFC Fight Night
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by Geoffrey Ejiga | in UFC Predictions
A thrilling heavyweight clash is set for UFC Fight Night, as Sergei Pavlovich takes on Waldo Cortes Acosta, nicknamed "Salsa Boy." This bout promises fireworks with both heavyweights possessing the power to end the night early. Keep reading for our Sergei Pavlovich vs Waldo Cortes Acosta match prediction.
While Cortes Acosta is on a notable five-fight winning streak, our research suggests that the seasoned experience and well-rounded game of Pavlovich will be too much for the rising contender, leading to a win by KO or on points. Pavlovich's UFC career, despite some recent losses, showcases an impressive record of finishing opponents.
Pavlovich's most recent fight was a unanimous decision victory over Jairzinho Rozenstruik in February 2025. This performance was crucial, as it demonstrated his ability to pivot from a pure knockout artist to a more strategic, controlled fighter. Pavlovich showcased newfound wrestling skills, securing takedowns for the first time in his UFC career and grinding out a victory, proving he is a more multi-faceted threat than previously thought.
This win directly addresses the concerns raised after his losses to Alexander Volkov and Tom Aspinall, showing he can adapt and win when the early knockout isn't available. On the other side, "Salsa Boy" is coming off a unanimous decision win over Serghei Spivac at UFC 316. While a victory, the fight showed that Cortes Acosta can be outmaneuvered by a technically sound opponent, a weakness that Pavlovich is now well-equipped to exploit.
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Sergei Pavlovich - Waldo Cortes Acosta Key Points
- Pavlovich has a professional record of 19-3, with 15 wins coming by KO/TKO.
- In Pavlovich's recent win against Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Pavlovich landed takedowns for the first time in his UFC career, showcasing an improved ground game.
- Cortes Acosta's only professional MMA loss was a unanimous decision to Marcos Rogério de Lima, a fighter who exploited his grappling deficiencies.
- Pavlovich has a 4.54 significant strikes per minute average compared to Cortes Acosta's 5.98.
- Cortes Acosta has been out-struck in at least one of his decision wins, pointing to a vulnerability in striking exchanges.
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Our Sergei Pavlovich vs Waldo Cortes Acosta Prediction
Sergei Pavlovich is entering this bout as a more well-rounded and dangerous fighter. His ability to win by decision, demonstrated in his last fight, shows he is no longer just a one-dimensional knockout artist. He has the power to end the fight early but also the newly-discovered grappling and endurance to win a longer contest against a fighter like "Salsa Boy" who has shown weaknesses in his ground game.
Pavlovich's experience against elite competition will be the deciding factor in our eyes. Hence, our Sergei Pavlovich vs Waldo Cortes Acosta prediction is Pavlovich to Win by KO or points.
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All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
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